How to Turn On (or Off) the “Open to Work” Feature on LinkedIn

LinkedIn isn’t just a digital resume—it’s a matchmaking engine for jobs. Every day, recruiters use it to find talent, but if your profile doesn’t signal that you’re open to new opportunities, you might never show up in their searches. That’s where the “Open to Work” feature comes in.

Whether you’re actively job hunting or simply curious about what’s out there, this tool lets you control how and when you appear on recruiters’ radars. But using it well requires strategy. In this guide, you’ll learn how to turn it on or off, decide who sees it, and make the most of the visibility it offers—without compromising your privacy.

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Why Your Visibility on LinkedIn Matters More Than Ever

A New Job Market, A New Set of Rules

Hiring has gone digital-first. Recruiters no longer rely solely on job postings—they proactively source talent through platforms like LinkedIn. In fact, LinkedIn is now the top tool recruiters use to identify candidates who aren’t even applying.

That means visibility isn’t optional anymore—it’s a multiplier for your job search. The more your profile signals interest and readiness, the more likely you are to show up in recruiter searches and land opportunities you didn’t even know existed.

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The Risks of Staying Invisible

If you don’t indicate you’re open to new roles, you’re effectively hidden from recruiters’ searches. Even with a strong profile and the right experience, LinkedIn’s algorithm is less likely to surface you as a potential candidate.

No signal often means no result—and fewer opportunities reaching your inbox.

So what exactly does “Open to Work” do—and how does it help recruiters find you? Let’s break it down.

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What the “Open to Work” Feature Actually Does

More Than Just a Green Banner

The “Open to Work” feature does more than add a ring to your profile photo. It sends a clear signal to LinkedIn’s algorithm that you’re open to new opportunities.

Once activated, LinkedIn matches you with recruiters’ searches based on the roles, locations, and job types you specify. This means you’re far more likely to appear in relevant searches—even if you’re not actively applying. In short, it boosts your visibility where it matters most.

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Who Sees It—And What You Can Control

You decide how public your status is:

• All LinkedIn Members → Your availability is visible to everyone, and a green “#OpenToWork” banner appears on your profile photo.
• Recruiters Only → Only recruiters using LinkedIn’s premium Recruiter tool can see you’re open. LinkedIn also tries to hide this from your current company and affiliated recruiters whenever possible.

Choosing the right setting depends on your situation—balance visibility with discretion.

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Privacy Myths, Busted

“My boss will know.” → Not if you choose Recruiters Only.

“It looks desperate.” → Not when paired with a strong, updated profile.

“It doesn’t matter.” → It absolutely improves your chances of showing up in recruiter searches.

Now let’s talk timing—when you should use this feature, and when you might want to be more discreet.

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When (and Why) to Turn It On or Off

Great Times to Use It

Turning on “Open to Work” can accelerate your job search when timing is right:

• You’re unemployed or actively job hunting → Maximizes your visibility in recruiter searches.
• You’re switching industries or locations → Helps LinkedIn match you with roles aligned to your new goals, not just your past experience.
• You want recruiters to come to you → Instead of applying manually, you’ll receive inbound opportunities via recruiter InMails.

When you’re ready for change, this feature works like a signal boost for your profile.

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When It’s Better to Be Selective

Sometimes, turning it on publicly isn’t the best move:

• You’re currently employed and want privacy → A green banner can send the wrong message to your manager or colleagues.
• You’re still exploring your options → If you’re not ready to start recruiter conversations, going public can create pressure before you’re prepared.

In these cases, caution beats visibility.

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Best of Both Worlds: The Quiet Signal

Use the “Recruiters Only” option to stay discreet while still getting found. Pair it with an optimized headline, strong About section, and relevant skills to increase your ranking in recruiter searches—even without the banner.

Next, we’ll walk through the step-by-step instructions for turning “Open to Work” on or off safely.

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How to Turn On the “Open to Work” Feature

Method 1 – From Your LinkedIn Profile (Desktop & Mobile)

1. Click the “Me” icon at the top of LinkedIn.
2. Select “View Profile.”
3. Click the “Open to” button below your headline.
4. Choose “Finding a new job.”
5. Fill in your preferences:
   
   • Job titles you’re targeting
   • Locations (include remote if relevant)
   • Employment types (full-time, part-time, contract, etc.)
6. Set your visibility:
   
   • All LinkedIn Members → Public signal + green #OpenToWork banner
   • Recruiters Only → Private signal visible only in LinkedIn Recruiter
7. Click “Add to profile.”
   
   

Method 2 – From the Jobs Tab

1. Click Jobs in the top navigation bar.
2. Go to Preferences → Open to Work.
3. Add or update:
   
   • Job roles and employment types
   • Preferred locations
   • Start date (immediately or flexible)‍
   • Visibility setting
4. Hit Save to activate your preferences.
   
   

Pro Tips for Setup

• Use job titles recruiters actually search for—check live postings for ideas.
• Add multiple locations, even if you’re remote, to increase search matches.
• Avoid vague titles like “freelancer” unless that’s the specific role you want.

Pro Tip: You can update these settings anytime—LinkedIn won’t notify your connections.

Next, we’ll cover how to turn the feature off and keep control over your visibility.

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How to Edit or Remove “Open to Work” Without Losing Momentum

To Edit Your Preferences

1. Go to your LinkedIn profile.
2. In the “Open to Work” box, click the Edit (pencil) icon.
3. Adjust any settings, including:
   
   • Job titles
   • Preferred locations
     Employment types
   • Visibility (Recruiters Only vs. All Members)
4. Click Save.

This is ideal if your career goals evolve—for example, when switching industries or refining your target roles.

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To Remove It Entirely

1. Go to your profile and click Edit on the “Open to Work” box.
2. Scroll to the bottom and select “Delete from profile.”
3. Confirm removal.

⚠️ LinkedIn won’t retain your preferences, so save them elsewhere if you might need them later.

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What Happens if You Ignore Recruiters

If you stop responding to recruiter InMails, LinkedIn may eventually pause your visibility in searches. To restart, you’ll need to reactivate “Open to Work” manually.

Pro Tip: Even if you’re not actively applying, replying with a polite “not right now” keeps your profile active and signals professionalism.

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Bonus: Stand Out Without the Banner

Optimize Your Profile Stealthily

You don’t need the green #OpenToWork banner to catch a recruiter’s attention. A well-optimized profile can quietly do the work for you:

• Craft a compelling headline that signals your expertise and interest.
  Example: “Digital Product Specialist | No-Code Tools | Open to Remote Roles”
• Refresh your About section to highlight your career goals and value proposition.
• Add new certifications, side projects, and endorsements to showcase ongoing growth and credibility.

The goal: make it obvious you’re in demand, without announcing you’re looking.

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Network Like You’re Job-Ready

An active presence on LinkedIn is a magnet for opportunity:

• Post or comment on relevant industry trends to boost visibility.
• Follow companies you’re genuinely interested in—this can influence recruiter searches.
• Reconnect privately with past colleagues or managers and let them know you’re open to exploring new roles.

Pro Tip: Some of the best opportunities come from warm introductions, not cold applications. Nurturing your network can pay off faster than any banner.

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Final Thoughts: Use Visibility Strategically, Not Randomly

The “Open to Work” feature is a powerful signal, but it’s not a shortcut. It works best when paired with a well-optimized profile and smart, consistent activity on LinkedIn.

Being visible doesn’t mean being loud—it means being intentional about how you show up.

If you’re ready, let recruiters know.
If you’re not, prepare quietly—but don’t vanish from view.

In today’s digital-first job market, visibility drives opportunity. Use it wisely.

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